Luke 14:28-30 (AMP)
"For which one of you, when he wants to build a watchtower [for his guards], does not first sit down and calculate the cost to see if he has enough to finish it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is unable to finish [the building], all who see it will begin to ridicule him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish!'"
Praise God, Church Family of Faith!
Bad Financial Habit 1: Overspending on Unnecessary Items
The First bad financial habit that believers need to break is overspending on unnecessary items. Our culture encourages us to buy more and more, often on credit. Be cautious, as this can lead to debt and financial stress. As Christians, we are called to be good stewards of the resources that God has given us. This means being wise with your money and avoiding unnecessary expenses.
Possible Examples of Overspending on Unnecessary Items from the Bible and Today:
In the Bible, we see examples of people who made poor financial decisions. For instance, the prodigal son in Luke 15:11–32 wasted his inheritance on wild living and ended up in poverty. Today, we see many people struggling with debt and financial stress because of overspending on things they don't need. Fellow, believer avoid this behavior with the solution of creating a budget and sticking to it.
Our Solution:
Solution 1: Start a Financial freedom by Creating a Budget and Sticking to it.
To break this bad financial habit, you need to start a financial freedom of creating a budget and sticking to it. A budget is a plan for how you will spend your money. It helps you prioritize your expenses and avoid overspending. By creating a budget and sticking to it, you can live within your means and avoid debt.
How to Create a Budget and Stick to It
To create a budget, start by listing all your income sources and expenses. See the budget template.
In the "Income" column, list all your sources of income for the month, such as your salary, freelance work, or rental income. In the "Fixed Expenses" column, list all your expenses that are the same every month, such as rent or mortgage payments, car payments, or insurance premiums. In the "Other Expenses" column, list all your variable expenses, such as groceries, entertainment, or clothing. In the "Bills" column, list all your monthly bills, such as utilities, phone, or internet.
Then, prioritize your expenses based on their importance. For example, your rent or mortgage payment and utility bills should be at the top of your list, followed by other necessary expenses like groceries and transportation.
Make sure to include savings and debt payments in your budget. Set aside a portion of your income for savings and allocate a specific amount towards paying off any debts you may have.
Finally, in the "Recap" column, summarize your income and expenses for the month and make sure that your total expenses do not exceed your total income. Once you have a budget, stick to it by tracking your spending and adjusting your budget as needed. See the budget tracker.
In Proverbs 21:5, we read, "The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty." By creating a budget and sticking to it, we are being diligent and wise with our money.
In conclusion, Breaking bad financial habits and developing good financial habits are essential for financial freedom. By avoiding overspending on unnecessary items, creating a budget, and sticking to it, we can live within our means and avoid debt. Let us commit to being good stewards of the resources that God has given us. Let us pray for the discipline to create a budget and stick to it, and for the wisdom to avoid overspending on things we don't need.
Let us pray:
Dear Father God in Heaven, I ask for wisdom in managing my finances according to the principles of Luke 14:28–30. May I not overspend on unnecessary things but instead exercise self-control and create a budget in line with Proverbs 21:5. I desire to be a good steward of the resources You have entrusted to us, as taught in the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11–32. May I honor You with our finances and use them to further Your kingdom. In Christ Jesus' mighty name, I have prayed, Amen.
CONTENT SPONSORS:
With this gospel message shared, and lesson drawn to us from the scriptures and prayer, I believe you have been Church Built and Healed for your good and the glory of the LORD ALMIGHTY.
Beloved believer, I encourage you not to forget to tithe, sow your seeds, or give thanks to God for all His goodness and blessings. Let us continue to support CHRISTIAN HEALING CHURCH MINISTRY and each other as we seek to serve God and bring healing and transformation to the world. May the Lord bless you and keep you always.
Yours in Christ,
Apostle Jude Noah Wakibi
Apostle for Church Building and Healing.
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Thank you Lord for your wisdom. May this message be pushed by the HolySpirit to millions of believers. Amen.
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